WO2017185152A1

WO2017185152A1 - Device for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head

Info

Publication number: WO2017185152A1
Application number: PCT/BR2017/000037
Authority: WO
Inventors: Henri FIORENZA DE LIMA; Daniel ALMEIDA CAMERINI; Rodrigo CARVALHO FERREIRA
Original assignee: Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras
Priority date: 2016-04-29
Filing date: 2017-04-26
Publication date: 2017-11-02
Also published as: BR102016009691A2; CA3062933A1; BR102016009691B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for uncoupling a plug from a pulling head, said device comprising a main body (1) which, in turn, comprises an isolation chamber (32) formed by an isolating wall (31), said isolation chamber (32) comprising, in its interior, an element (21) for uncoupling a plug (8) relative to a pulling head (9), and a coupling element (4) adapted to keep a terminal edge of the isolating wall (31) in contact with a surface of the pulling head (9) such as to keep the isolation chamber (32) isolated from the external environment.

Description

"DISACOPLAIV DEVICE! BEHIND A TUBE HEAD PLUG"

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an auxiliary device for decoupling a duct traction head plug, more specifically for decoupling a duct traction head plug where the duct is suspected. is pressurized.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traction heads are elements commonly used, for example, in lifting or transporting flexible lines on offshore oil rigs. These elements are connected to the upper end of a flexible line, also called a riser, to allow its lifting or transport and to seal its end.

Additionally, in addition to allowing the lifting and carrying of a riser, the traction head also prevents leakage of its internal contents as the riser end is completely insulated from the outside.

However, when disconnecting the traction head of a riser, it is common for the riser to understand pressurized fluids inside, which can cause environmental accidents or accidents with the operator when the traction head is disengaged. riser, endangering the life of the operators responsible for this step.

In order to provide a form of riser depressurization prior to removal of the traction head, it comprises an element known as a plug. Plug is a threadable element comprised in the traction head, which when disconnected from the Irration head provides an opening connecting the inside of the riser to the outside. Through this opening it is possible to connect a drain hose to drain gases or liquids from inside the riser.

However, even with the adoption of a traction head plug, risks to the operator are still present. In situations where the riser comprises pressurized gases inside it, the force exerted on the plug can be such that, when unscrewed, the plug can be expelled at high speeds, which can cause serious injury to the operators responsible for this service.

In addition, contact with these gases may cause operator intoxication, and there is a risk of explosion or fire since these fluids are often flammable.

Likewise, environmental damage is not entirely remedied by simply adopting the plug, since when unscrewing the plug, a significant portion of the gases inside the riser are expelled before connecting the drain hose ( optional) in the hole where the plug would be stuck.

However, nothing in the prior art is disclosed to circumvent such a problem, as is apparent from the following documents.

EP2808608A1 discloses an end fitting for a tubular member, possibly a traction head, comprising a threaded elongate member, described as a threaded stud, which connects to an expandable member.

When threading the threaded pin, the expandable element is compressed causing its expansion and consequently the locking and sealing of the duct with the traction head. However, such document makes no reference to a device for withdrawing the threaded element to assist in the circulation of fluids and / or pressure possibly contained within the duct.

US7396060B2 discloses a duct traction device that is secured to the end of a duct by the action of a wedge. The device is ok! The document comprises an axle, a casing about this axle, one or more wedges, a cone, nuts, an eye, sealing rings, and a glove, all coaxially arranged.

However, while US 7396060B2 describes a duct traction device, it is completely silent with respect to a device for withdrawing a threaded element to assist in the circulation of possibly contained fluids and / or pressure. inside the duct.

KR2007044886A discloses a traction head device in which a traction head unit and a strap element (clamp) are coupled by clamping members so that the traction head does not easily disengage from the duct when the traction head is pulled.

However, although such document describes a duct traction device, it is completely silent with respect to a device for removing a threaded element (plug) to assist in the safe circulation of fluids and / or pressure possibly contained within the duct.

As can be seen from the documents presented, the present state of art lacks a device for securely removing a plug from a traction head, so as to optionally assist in the circulation of fluids and / or pressure possibly contained in the inside the duct. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The main object of the present invention is to provide a device for securely detaching a plug, as well as optionally identifying and / or measuring the presence of pressure and flow within the duct by directing this flow to a safe area.

Thus, in order to achieve this objective, the present invention provides a decoupling plug of a pull-head plug comprising a main body which in turn comprises an insulation chamber formed by an insulating wall. wherein the insulation chamber comprises a plug coupling member with respect to the traction head, and a coupler element adapted to maintain an extreme edge of the insulation wall in contact with a traction head surface, such that keep the isolation chamber isolated from the external environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The detailed description given below makes reference to the accompanying figures and their respective reference numbers, representing the embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 1 illustrates a view of an optional configuration of a traction head plug decoupling device, also showing a traction head and plug in an exploded view.

Figure 2 illustrates a view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1 in an assembled configuration.

Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 2.

[0023] Figure 4 illustrates detail 4A highlighted in Figure 3, 17 000037

5 however in a perpendicular cut.

[0024] Figure S illustrates an isolated perspective view of a particular configuration of a traction head plug decoupling device.

Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a traction head plug decoupling device shown in Figure 5.

Fig. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second optional embodiment of a traction head plug decoupling device according to the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates detail 7A highlighted in figure 7.

Figure 9 illustrates an isolated perspective view of the particular configuration of a coupling device for a traction head plug.

Figure 10 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a traction head plug decoupling device shown in Figure 9.

Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional side view of a traction head plug decoupling device shown in Figure 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Firstly, it is emphasized that the following description will start from a preferred embodiment of the invention applied to a decoupling plug of a traction head plug. As will be apparent to any person skilled in the art, however, the invention is not limited to that particular embodiment.

In order to remedy the above-mentioned problems of the state of the art, the invention provides a device for uncoupling a plug from a traction head, comprising a main body which in turn comprises an insulating chamber formed by an insulating wall, wherein the insulating chamber comprises within it a decoupling element of the plug in relation to to the traction head, and a coupling element adapted to maintain an extreme edge of the insulating wall in contact with a traction head surface to keep the isolation chamber isolated from the external environment. Optionally the insulation wall comprises a cylindrical shape.

Thereby, the tool is positioned on a surface of a traction head, so that the plug is circumscribed to the extreme edge of the insulating wall, thereby forming an isolation chamber in which the plug is positioned within it. The decoupling element of the plug is actuated only after positioning of the device, so if there are pressurized fluids inside the riser where the drive head is positioned, when uncoupling the plug, that fluid is contained within the chamber. Isolation

Likewise, the plug can be safely uncoupled, even if there are pressurized flows within the ridge where the drive head is positioned, as the isolation chamber also provides a physical barrier to prevent the plug from being thrown. at high speeds when fully decoupled.

Optionally, the insulation wall may comprise at least one fluidic communication duct in communication with the interior of the insulation chamber. The fluidic communication duct can be used to drain the fluids that T / BR2017 / 000037

7 are possibly present inside the riser, and are moved into the isolation chamber upon uncoupling of the plug. In alternative embodiments, the duct may be used to insert a pressurized fluid into the insulation chamber by pressurizing the insulation chamber to prevent fluid leakage from within the riser. Thus, pressurization of the isolation chamber could serve as a leakproofness test. Therefore, the pressure applied to the isolation chamber is optionally approximately 10% higher than the expected maximum pressure inside the riser.

It is noteworthy that the device described so far can be configured to withstand different pressure levels. In many tests, it has been found that for many applications the tool must withstand pressures up to SOOOpsi (345 bar), however, the tool can be designed to withstand more or less pressure according to the need for your application.

Indirectly in alternate configurations, the same fluidic communication duct may initially be used to insert a pressurized fluid into the isolation chamber to prevent fluid leakage from the riser and, after uncoupling of the plug, to flow out. any fluid contained within the riser and drained into the isolation chamber,

Another alternative embodiment further provides that the insulation wall may comprise two fluidic communication ducts in communication with the interior of the insulation chamber. In this configuration, a first fluid communication duct is adapted to inject a pressurized fluid into the insulation chamber, and a second fluid communication duct is adapted to flow a fluid out of the insulation chamber. In any of the configurations described above, fluid flowing out of the isolation chamber through the fluid communication duct may be intended for future storage and / or treatment in accordance with environmental rules and laws at the place of use. application. In addition, one may optionally make use of a valve, or manifold, to perform flow control and fluid pressure measurements of the described system.

Thus, as has been described so far, it is clear that the device of the present invention has a number of advantages not found in the prior art, such as operator safety when performing plug uncoupling, as the plug will not be expelled. at high speeds, in addition to the guarantee of environmental safety, since the fluids contained in the riser are kept inside the isolation chamber, and safely drained later.

Figure 1 illustrates a view of an optional configuration of a decoupling head plug 8 coupling device, also showing a pulling head 9 and a plug 8 in an exploded view.

Figure 2 illustrates a view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1 in its assembled configuration. Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2 where the operation of the invention as described above can be observed.

Therefore, the plug decoupling device is positioned in contact with a traction head 9, so that the most extreme edge of the insulating wall 31 is in contact with the surface of the traction head 9, so that the plug 8 stay circumscribed to that most extreme edge of the insulating wall 31. Thus, the insulating chamber 32 becomes completely insulated from the external environment, so that. when the plug 8 is decoupled from the traction head 9, the fluids contained within the riser and drained through a channel 92 of the traction head 9 are contained in the isolation chamber 32 without leaking into the environment.

The foregoing paragraph is made even clearer with the aid of FIG. 4, which illustrates detail 4A outlined in FIG. 3, but in a perpendicular section. In such figure, it is noted that optionally a sealing element 5 is adopted to seal the contact between the outer edge of the insulation wall 31 and the surface of the traction head 9.

In the section shown, it is also more clearly observed that the insulation wall 31 optionally comprises two fluidic communication ducts 33 in communication with the interior of the insulation chamber 32. These fluidic communication ducts 33 are used to flow the any fluids that may be present within the riser and are displaced to the isolation chamber 32 upon disengagement of the plug 8. as already described. Preferably, a first fluid communication duct 33 is adapted to inject a pressurized fluid into the insulating chamber 32, and a second fluidic communication duct 33 is adapted to flow a fluid out of the insulating chamber 32.

Figure 5 illustrates an isolated perspective view of a particular configuration of a decoupling device 1 from a traction head plug. Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a plug decoupling device of a traction head illustrated in figure 5, wherein the decoupling element 21 is connected to one. plug 8. In such figures it is observed that the optional configuration adopted of the plug decoupling device of a traction head is such that the main body 1 is formed by an inner cylindrical body 2 and an outer cylindrical body 3, concentric with each other. wherein the inner 2 and outer 3 cylindrical bodies are adapted to rotate with each other. In this configuration, the inner cylindrical body 2 comprises the decoupling element 21 of the plug 8 at a first end, and the outer cylindrical body 3 comprises the insulating wall 31 at a first end,

In such a configuration, in order to maintain the seal of the isolation chamber 32, at least one sealing ring 51 is also provided between the inner cylindrical body 2 and the outer cylindrical body 3. Preferably, a plurality of o-rings are provided. seal 51 to ensure the working of the isolation chamber 32.

In addition, in order to allow a better approach and removal of the plug decoupling element 21 from the plug 8 itself, at least a portion of the inner cylindrical body 2 comprises means for longitudinally displacement with respect to its axis of revolution. .

Also optionally, the coupling element 4 is a cylindrical element concentric with respect to the main body 1 and adapted to rotate with respect thereto. Thus, according to the illustrated embodiment, the device of the present invention comprises three cylindrical and concentric elements: coupling element 4; inner cylindrical body 2; and outer cylindrical body 3, wherein the coupling element 4 is adapted to rotate with respect to the outer cylindrical body 3, and wherein the outer cylindrical body 3 is adapted to rotate with respect to the inner cylindrical body 2.

Still optionally, the coupler element 4 is connected to the main body 1 by means of a thread, wherein the coupler element 4 comprises a stop 40 adapted to abut a pin 11 fixed to an eye 91 of the traction head 9 Thus, by rotating the coupling element 4 a longitudinal displacement will be generated between it and the outer cylindrical body 3, so that the isolation chamber 32 of the outer cylindrical body 3 approaches the surface of the drive head 9 until its extreme edge (or sealing element 5) is pressed against the surface of the drive head 9, engaging the tool.

Coupler element 4 may optionally comprise a drive lever 42 to facilitate its rotation and consequent coupling to the drive head 9. Such drive lever 42 may be attached to the coupler element 4 itself, or may be temporarily connected for use at the time of its coupling and removal for ease of handling. To this end, the drive lever 42 and the coupling element 4 may comprise a tight fit in any geometric shape and does not allow sliding between the elements when turning the tool.

Following the described coupling, the inner cylindrical body 2 is moved vertically so that the plug decoupling element 21 contacts the plug 8, thereby enabling its decoupling.

As known from the state of the art, the vast majority of the plugs 8 are coupled to the traction head 9 by means of a thread, thus the plug decoupling element 21 of the present invention is capable of unscrewing the plug 8. To this end, the decoupling element 21 must comprise means for securing connect to the plug 8 so that when it is turned it will remove the plug 8. Preferably the decoupling element 21 comprises a hexagonal shape that fits into a hexagonal hole of the plug 8. However, it is noted that the The shape of the decoupling element 21 is any that fits into the shape of the plug hole 8.

To this end, the present invention provides for any of the following configurations to be adopted: only the decoupling element 21 is rotated with respect to the insulation wall 31, a portion of the inner cylindrical body 2 is rotated with respect to the insulation wall 31; and / or the entire inner cylindrical body 2 is rotated with respect to the insulating wall 31. Optionally, as shown, a driver 23 is adapted to drive the decoupling element 21, wherein the driver 23 is a halen wrench connected to a end of the inner cylindrical body 2, wherein such end is opposite the end comprising the decoupling element 21.

Optionally, the inner cylindrical body 2 may be manufactured in two parts being joined by a coupling 22, so that the coupling is fixed to each part by fastening elements 221, preferably screws. This setting can be adopted in cases where there are length limits for shaft manufacturing. Optionally, the shaft is manufactured by electro erosion.

Also optionally, the invention provides for the use of of at least one locking element 7 for use after final coupling of the device. The locking element 7 has the function of preventing relative pivots between at least one of: the main body 1 and the coupling element 4; and the inner cylindrical member 2 and the outer cylindrical member 3. Thus, after the device is secured, the at least one locking member prevents it from disconnecting, which could cause accidents and / or leaks. Optionally, the locking element is a screw.

Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second optional embodiment of a traction head plug decoupling device 9 according to the present invention. Figure 8 illustrates detail 7A highlighted in figure 7.

As can be seen from figures 8 and 9, the traction head 9 to which the plug decoupling device is being applied comprises smaller dimensions than the one previously presented, therefore the device comprises an adapter element 24 connected to it. seal to the extreme edge of the insulating wall 31. In this particular embodiment, the adapter element 24 comprises a curvilinear shape to fit more closely to the surface of the traction head 9. Thus, the same device may be used on traction heads of different dimensions, which demonstrates the versatility of the revealed device.

The adapter element 24 may be made of metal or any polymeric material such as rubber or silicone. In addition, between the adapter element 24 and the insulation wall 31 a sealant may be provided to ensure that no fluid leaks. W

14th

of the isolation chamber 32.

Figure 9 illustrates an isolated perspective view of the particular configuration of a pull-head plug uncoupling device shown in Figure 8. Figure 10 illustrates a sectional front view of a plug uncoupling device of a traction head illustrated in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a traction head plug coupling device illustrated in FIGURE 9.

In the optional configuration illustrated in figures 9, 10 and 11 the adapter element 24 comprises at least one 5.5 'sealing member at the contact between the adapter 24 and the surface of the drive head 9. In a preferred embodiment, it is adopted two sealing elements, wherein a stiffer first sealing member 5 is attached to the adapter 24, and a more flexible second sealing member 5 'is positioned between the first sealing member 5 and the surface of the pulling head 9.

Note that although a convex shaped adapter element 24 is described, such an element may comprise various shapes, such as concave. The shape of the adapter element 24, of course to any person skilled in the art, will vary according to the subject. the surface profile of the traction head 9 to which the device of the present invention will be applied.

It is noted that the configuration shown in figures 8, 9, 10, and 11 also optionally comprises a number of features described above, wherein the isolation chamber 32 becomes completely isolated from the external environment, so that when plug 8 is decoupled from traction head 9, the fluids contained within the riser, and flowed through a channel 92 of the traction head 9 are contained in the isolation chamber 32 without leaking into the environment.

In the embodiment shown herein, it is also noted that the insulation wall 31 optionally comprises fluidic communication ducts 33 in communication with the interior of the insulation chamber 32. As already described, such fluidic communication ducts 33 are used. to flow any fluids that may be present inside the riser and are moved to the isolation chamber 32 when the plug 8 is uncoupled.

In the embodiment shown in figures 8, 9, 10, and 11 it is also noted that optionally the main body 1 is formed by an inner cylindrical body 2 and an outer cylindrical body 3, concentric with each other, wherein the inner and outer cylindrical bodies are adapted to rotate with each other, wherein the inner cylindrical body 2 comprises the decoupling element 21 of the plug at a first end, and the outer cylindrical body 3 comprises the insulating wall 31 at a first end in that at least one sealing ring 51 is provided between the inner cylindrical body 2 and the outer cylindrical body 3.

Also optionally, the coupling element 4 is a cylindrical element concentric with respect to the main body 1 and adapted to rotate with respect thereto. Thus, according to the illustrated embodiment, the device of the present invention comprises three cylindrical and concentric elements: coupling element 4; inner cylindrical body; and outer cylindrical body 3, wherein the coupling member 4 is adapted to rotate with respect to the outer cylindrical body 3, and wherein the outer cylindrical body 3 is adapted to rotate with respect to the inner cylindrical body 2. Optionally, the coupler element 4 is connected to the main body 1 by means of a thread, wherein the coupler element 4 comprises a stop 40 adapted to abut a pin 11 attached to an eye 91 of the traction head 9. Thus, by rotating the coupling element 4 a longitudinal displacement will be generated between it and the outer cylindrical body 3, so that the isolation chamber 32 of the outer cylindrical body 3 approaches the surface of the drive head 9 until the element adapter 24 is pressed against the surface of the traction head 9, effecting the coupling of the tool,

Although not illustrated, the present invention also provides a configuration wherein the most extreme edge of the insulation wall 31 comprises a curvilinear shape to fit the traction head 9 as illustrated in figures 8, 9, 10, and 11. However, the use of an adapter element 24, as described above, is preferred as it is thus possible to use the same device for removing plug 8 from different traction heads using the adapter element 24; when necessary,

After the described coupling, the inner cylindrical body 2 is moved vertically so that the plug decoupling element 21 contacts the plug 8, thus enabling its decoupling.

Claims

! Uncoupling device of a traction head plug, comprising:

a main body (1) comprising an insulating chamber (32) formed by an insulating wall (31), wherein the insulating chamber (32) comprises within it a decoupling element (21) of the plug (8) in relation to the traction head (9); and

a coupling element (4) adapted to maintain an extreme edge of the insulation wall (31) in contact with a surface of the traction head (9) so as to keep the insulation chamber (32) insulated from the external environment.

Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the insulation wall (31) comprises at least one fluidic communication duct (33) in communication with the interior of the insulation chamber (32).

Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the insulation wall (31) comprises two fluidic communication ducts (33) in communication with the interior of the insulation chamber (32), wherein: a first communication duct fluidic 33 is adapted to inject a pressurized fluid into the isolation chamber (32); and a second fluid communication duct 33 is adapted to flow a fluid out of the insulation chamber (32).

Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the main body (1) is formed by an inner cylindrical body (2) and an outer cylindrical body (3), concentric to each other, wherein the bodies inner and outer cylindrical bearings are adapted to rotate with each other, wherein the inner cylindrical body (2) comprises the uncoupling element (21) of the plug (8) at a first end, and the outer cylindrical body (3) comprises the insulating wall (.31) was a first end, and

wherein at least one sealing ring (51) is provided between the inner cylindrical body (2) and the outer cylindrical body (3).

Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that at least one inner cylindrical body portion (2) comprises means for moving longitudinally with respect to its axis of revolution.

Device according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the coupling element (4) is a cylindrical element concentric with respect to the main body (1) and adapted to rotate therewith.

Device according to Claim 6, characterized in that the coupling element (4) is connected to the main body (1) by means of a thread, wherein the coupling element (4) comprises a stop (40) adapted to fit the rest on a pin (11) fixed to an eye (91) of the draw head (9).

Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a sealing element (5) between the surface of the drawing head (9) and the extreme edge of the insulation wall (31).

Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises an adapter element (24) sealedly connected to the extreme edge of the insulation wall (31).

Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that it comprises two sealing elements, in which one first more rigid sealing member (5) is attached to the adapter, and a more flexible second sealing member (5 ') is positioned between the first sealing member (5) and the surface of the drive head (9).

Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the coupling element (4) comprises a drive lever (42).

Device according to Claim 11, characterized in that the actuation lever (42) and the coupling element comprise a tight fit in which sliding between them is not permitted.

Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the insulating wall (31) comprises a cylindrical shape.

Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises a driver (23) adapted to drive the decoupling element (21).

Device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the coupling element (4) comprises a drive lever (42).

Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises at least one locking element (7) adapted to prevent relative turns between at least one of: the main body (1) and the coupling element (4). ); and the inner cylindrical element (2) and the outer cylindrical element (3).